shakespeare has done it again... and thanks to amazon i was allowed to fully enjoy this great masterpiece

If you ever thought about reading Shakespeare but was turned off or intimidated by the old english, not so with the new folger editions. Your basically reading the play on all the right sided pages , with the left pages reserved for all the definitions and explanations of the sayings and words that might be dificult to understand. This makes it very easy and enjoyable to read.

Hamlet is a book written by William Shakespeare. The book is very thrilling; it keeps you on your feet throughout the read. In the beginning it starts out with a family murder then it moves through incest then a big bang at the end as every major character is killed. This book goes to show that treason gets you know where.

Hamlet is a book written by William Shakespeare. The book is very thrilling; it keeps you on your feet throughout the read. In the beginning it starts out with a family murder then it moves through incest then a big bang at the end as every major character is killed. This book goes to show that treason gets you know where.

What kind of idiot writes this tripe? This is allegedly a "Play" by some long-dead "Master".

Well, let me tell, you: it's boring and derivative. It's about this Prince who doesn't get his father's throne, and feels all depressed about it for a while, and fights back against his uncle (who took the throne and married the prince's mother), to show everyone that it was actually the uncle who killed his father the king.

Excuse me? Haven't we heard this before?

Yep: Disney's "The Lion King".

This is "The Lion King" dressed up in period clothes. Instead of "Simba", we've got "Hamlet". Instead of "Scar", we've got "Claudius". Instead of "Nala", we've got "Ophelia".

And it's in "Denmark", instead of the African Plains. Denmark? Is that even a real country anymore? Anyways, it's called Europe, now; That's a part of London.

And don't get me started on the language this writer used! It's all like it's from the Bible and stuff. Get rid of that, and use real words: Take a lesson from someone like Stephen King.

Don't waste your time with this; watch "The Lion King", and you'll get it. And while you're at it, there's a bridge in Brooklyn I'm selling.

I'm going to take some hits for this (by rabid Shakespeare fans mostly), but this play, whether read in a straightforward manner, or analyzed to the hilt, is just somewhat better than mediocre.
Most folks who would read this work know that Shakespeare's plays are broken down, at the top, into two groups: tragedies and comedies. Hamlet is a tragedy -- the limited humor that one finds herein is pretty darn subtle, (e.g., the comment about Englishmen all being mad). I do not criticise "Hamlet" for that actuality, in fact, I prefer the tragedies. However, the play, as plays go, is simply just so-so. I think folks get 'caught up' in the fact that this is SHAKESPEARE, and therefore, they are SUPPOSED to like it if they have an ounce of culture.
For people who wish to delve into ecclectic classic works (of all genres), "Hamlet" is difficult to read (unless you're a genius, you sort of have to stumble along and concentrate on what has been said), due mostly to the archaic language. I think, to be a fan of Shakespeare, one must assidiously STUDY Shakespeare... and for those folks who just want 'to read some Shakespeare,' I think that "Julius Caesar" is a much better place to begin.
The story about Hamlet is essentially a good tale, if a bit drawn out, but some of the details are what make it most interesting. Also, I like any story where madness is a facet of the discussion (I LOVED "The Brothers Karamazov," Dostoyevsky!)
But to assert that this work is a wonderful read just because it's Shakespeare, is why I say: Methinks it is [just a bit] like a weasel.

I'm going to take some hits for this (by rabid Shakespeare fans mostly), but this play, whether read in a straightforward manner, or analyzed to the hilt, is just so-so.
Most folks who would read this work know that Shakespeare's plays are broken down, at the top, into two groups: tragedies and comedies. Hamlet is a tragedy -- the limited humor that one finds herein is pretty darn subtle, (e.g., the comment about Englishmen all being mad). I do not criticise "Hamlet" for that actuality, in fact, I prefer the tragedies. However, the play, as plays go, is simply just so-so. I think folks get 'caught up' in the fact that this is SHAKESPEARE, and therefore, they are SUPPOSED to like it if they have an ounce of culture.
For people who wish to delve into ecclectic classic works (of all genres), "Hamlet" is difficult to read (unless you're a genius, you sort of have to stumble along and concentrate on what has been said), due mostly to the archaic language. I think, to be a fan of Shakespeare, one must assidiously STUDY Shakespeare... and for those folks who just want 'to read some Shakespeare,' I think that "Julius Caesar" is a much better place to begin.
The story about Hamlet is essentially a good tale, if a bit drawn out, but some of the details are what makes it most interesting. Also, I like any story where madness is a facet of the discussion (I LOVED "The Brothers Karamazov," Dostoyevsky!)
But to assert that this work is a wonderful read just because it's Shakespeare, is why I say: Methinks it is [just a bit] like a weasel.

Hamlet is a must read...end of review.
No, seriously who can't pass up...
"to be or not to be that is the question. Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outragous fortune or to take on a sea of troubles and by opposing end them. To die to sleep..."
You'll have to read the play to find out the rest.

oh yeah. what the world needs is my opinion on "hamlet," by william shakespeare. seems that the jury is still out on whether this is a good book or not. well, here it is: my seal of approval. great stuff mr shakespeare. i hope that i helped your writing career with this review. you go, guy.

Despite its setting, Hamlet speaks to the average individual in ways that Julius Caesar or Macbeth do not, although they are obviously also very worthy in different ways. If you are a teacher of students disenfranchised in some way, this can be a very liberating text--not because of the literal plot, but due to the rich discussions that it provokes around how *not* to end up like either a modern Ophelia or Hamlet.

Free or extremely inexpensive texts are available on-line; however, I have found the Folger edition particularly useful in helping me and my students understand the finer points. For example, it's fun to see the meanings behind the flowers that crazy Ophelia hands out, which Folger explains while others don't. Too, do *you* know what a petard is, even though you've likely been hoisted on your own? Folgers does!

Despite its setting, Hamlet speaks to the average individual in ways that Julius Caesar or Macbeth do not, although they are obviously also very worthy in different ways. If you are either a teacher of disenfranchised (girl, in particular, but also boy) students or someone who has felt the hand of opression, this can be a very liberating text--not because of what actually happens, but due to the rich discussions/contemplations that it provokes around how *not* to end up like either Ophelia or Hamlet. Free or extremely inexpensive texts are available on-line; however, I have found the Folger edition particularly useful in helping me and my students understand some of the finer points.

Whatever your reason for picking up this book, or for wanting to re-familiarize yourself with it, you cannot help but be amazed at the contemporary relevance of a play penned with a goose quill by the light of candles four hundred years ago. Reading the text in its original language adds a special thrill. Shakespeare illustrates with dexterity and economy how our language can be employed to convey thought and action with precision, beauty, humor, and multi-layered meaning. You will see much that is familiar in Hamlet, because many lines have entered our contemporary usage:

Neither a borrower or a lender be...
To thine own self be true...
A custom more honored in the breach than the observance
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark
Though this be madness, yet there is method in `t.
To be or not to be...
The lady doth protest too much...
Brevity is the soul of wit.
I must be cruel only to be kind.
...Hoist with his own petard
...the dog will have his day
Good night, sweet prince...

Even the time-honored concept of "innocent by reason of insanity" is one invented by Hamlet, in defense of his murder of Polonius, and it is now a cottage industry among trial lawyers.

It's a living play, and your fresh eyes will read fresh meaning into every line of it.

Whatever your reason for picking up this book, or for wanting to re-familiarize yourself with it, you cannot help but be amazed at the contemporary relevance of a play penned with a goose quill by the light of candles four hundred years ago. Reading the text in its original language adds a special thrill. Shakespeare illustrates with dexterity and economy how our language can be employed to convey thought and action with precision, beauty, humor, and multi-layered meaning. You will see much that is familiar in Hamlet, because many lines have entered our contemporary usage:

Neither a borrower or a lender be...
To thine own self be true...
A custom more honored in the breach than the observance
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark
Though this be madness, yet there is method in `t.
To be or not to be...
The lady doth protest too much...
I must be cruel only to be kind.
...Hoist with his own petard
...the dog will have his day
Good night, sweet prince...

Even the time-honored concept of "innocent by reason of insanity" is one invented by Hamlet, in defense of his murder of Polonius, and it is now a cottage industry for death row defense counsel.

It's a living play, and your fresh eyes will read fresh meaning into every line of it.

This drama is my favorite of all of Shakespeare's plays. I love Shakespeare's humor, and I actually have found myself literally laughing out loud at the wry humor of the main character Hamlet. But, I'm not a person who usually enjoys books that fall into the "classics" genre. So that just shows how fantastic this drama is. Once you get used to the language, this is a quick read that is very enjoyable and I find myself going back to over an over. Shakespeare was a genius playwright!

This version of Hamlet was a great read. Shakespeare's works can be difficult to understand, but this text was an easier read. The notes that were placed on the pages facing the text were very helpful, especially if I had difficulty understanding some of the language. I also thought the background on Shakespeare's life and the introduction to his language was also helpful in reading Hamlet.
This text left me with many thoughts regarding certain aspects of the play. For example, the big question, was Hamlet insane?
I do not think Hamlet was insane, in fact, I feel that his anger toward Claudius and his mother were justified.
I highly recommend this William Shakespeare book.

This version of Hamlet was a great read. Shakespeare's works can be difficult to understand, but this text was an easier read. The notes that were placed on the pages facing the text were very helpful, especially if I had difficulty understanding some of the language. I also thought the background on Shakespeare's life and the introduction to his language was also helpful in reading Hamlet.
This text left me with many thoughts regarding certain aspects of the play. For example, the big question, was Hamlet insane?
I do not think Hamlet was insane, in fact, I feel that his anger toward Claudius and his mother were justified.
I highly recommend this William Shakespeare book.

The Folger Libray edition is very useful for students who are unfamiliar with Elizabethan language, customs, and other oddities. The opposite page of the script acts as prompter, dictionary, and general explainer. My students found the edition easy to use and helpful.

The Folger Libray edition is very useful for students who are unfamiliar with Elizabethan language, customs, and other oddities. The opposite page of the script acts as prompter, dictionary, and general explainer. My students found the edition easy to use and helpful.

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is one of the worlds greatest plays. There are many "quotes" from this play; one of my all-time favorites is written as Laertes gives advice to his son who is departing for France: Laertes continues his advice: "And this above all else, to thine own self be true. Then it must follow as the night the day, thou cans't not then be false to any man." But, for me, the idea that you can read this play with the original words by Shakespeare in Elizabethan English on the right page and the definitions and explanations of words and phrases conveniently on the left page is VERY needful and useful. This saves the reader much time in looking up words---or, as most people do, just skipping over passages that can't be understood due to words that are currently out of common usage. I think teachers who teach this stuff should be thrilled by this editon---finally most of their students can understand "Hamlet"! What a "boon" to teacher and student alike! See, I'm already starting to write like Shakespeare---well, not quite...yet! :o) If you have any comments: boland7214@aol.

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is one of the worlds greatest plays. There are many "quotes" from this play; one of my all-time favorites is written as Laertes gives advice to his son who is departing for France: Laertes continues his advice: "And this above all else, to thine own self be true. Then it must follow as the night the day, thou cans't not then be false to any man." But, for me, the idea that you can read this play with the original words by Shakespeare in Elizabethan English on the right page and the definitions and explanations of words and phrases conveniently on the left page is VERY needful and useful. This saves the reader much time in looking up words---or, as most people do, just skipping over passages that can't be understood due to words that are currently out of common usage. I think teachers who teach this stuff should be thrilled by this editon---finally most of their students can understand "Hamlet"! What a "boon" to teacher and student alike! See, I'm already starting to write like Shakespeare---well, not quite...yet! :o) If you have any comments: boland7214@aol.

This book is good in several ways. Firstly it explains words and phrases, has some pictures and gives some introduction to the period when it was written. It is nice, but I can't understand one thing: "Why this drama is so important?".

You can find lots of interpretations and explanations of this special text, but recently I have found the most shocking (I could even say - progressive) book Shakespeare's Hamlet Remixed by Nigel Tomm. Can you imagine it? A remix of Hamlet. And Nigel Tomm declares that it is "A drama that takes place between words and language itself". From this I can do a conclusion that in our days Hamlet is not only a Hamlet.

William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" is arguably the most famous play ever written in the English language; presenting the world with questions and characters that have been the subject of thespian and scholarly debate ever since the Prince of Denmark's first appearance on the stage of London's Globe Theatre. Probably written and first performed in 1601 (estimates vary between 1600 and 1602), the play draws on Saxo Grammaticus's late 12th/early 13th century chronicle "Gesta Danorum," which includes a popular legend with a similar plot centering around a prince named Amleth; as well as several more contemporaneous sources, primarily Francois de Belleforest's "Histoires Tragiques, Extraicts des Oeuvres Italiennes de Bandel" (1559-1580), which expands on the story told in the "Gesta Danorum," and a lost play known as the "Ur-Hamlet" (i.e., original "Hamlet"), sometimes also attributed to Shakespeare, but equally likely written by a different author a few decades earlier. Another work frequently cited in this context is 16th century playwright Thomas Kyd's "Spanish Tragedie."

Pursuant to Shakespeare's wishes and like all of his works, "Hamlet" was not immediately published, and the original manuscript did not survive. However, in the absence of copyright laws or other forms of protection of what today would be called the playwright's intellectual property rights, first bootleg copies (so-called quartos) based on transcripts made during or after performances began to appear in 1603. Yet, it would not be until 1623 - seven years after Shakespeare's 1616 death - that his former fellow actors John Hemmings and Henry Condell published 36 of his plays (including this one) in a collection known as the First Folio.

As no print version of any of Shakespeare's plays has a bona fide claim to its author's first-hand blessings, ever since the Bard's death the world is left with numerous questions about his characters' motivations and psychological makeup; first and foremost, in this particular case: who is this Prince of Denmark anyway, and what's driving him - is he a reluctant suicide or reluctant avenger? A Renaissance man? Wrecked by Freudian guilt? Genuinely mad, or merely putting on a clever act of deception? Or is he someone else entirely? - Indeed, we're even left in doubt as to what exactly it was that Shakespeare meant his characters to say, with all attendant interpretative consequences: Does the Prince wish for his "too too sullied" or his "too too solid" flesh to "melt, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew" in his first major soliloquy (Act I, Scene 2)? Does he really contemplate "the stamp of [that] one defect" which may fatally taint the perception of a man's other virtues, "be they as pure as grace," before meeting his father's ghost (I, 4)? Does Polonius, when sending Reynaldo on a spying mission after Laertes, refer to his scheme as "a fetch of wit" or "a fetch of warrant" (II, 1)? Do Hamlet's musings in "To be, or not to be" (III, 1) concern "enterprises of great pith and moment" or "of great pitch and moment," whose "currents turn awry and lose the name of action" by his doubts? Does or doesn't the sight of the Norwegian army while Hamlet is on his way to England (IV, 4) prompt him, who has so far failed to carry out his purpose, to reflect "How all occasions do inform against me," and conclude his soliloquy with the vow "from this time forth my thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth"?

How you answer any of these questions, and how you consequently view the play's characters, depends in no small part on the text you read. Like all Folger Shakespeare editions, this one is based on what the editors have deemed the "best early printed version," while allowing the reader a unique direct comparison of the available (reliable) versions by including a text essentially combining these versions, with unobtrusive markers characterizing those passages appearing only in one particular version. For "Hamlet," the editors eschewed the play's very first (1603) quarto, which was possibly compiled by a journeyman actor and whose inconsistencies with all subsequent versions (textually as well as plot-wise and even regarding character names) have caused it to be generally considered a "bad" quarto, in favor of the 1604 Second Quarto, which some even believe to be based on Shakespeare's own first draft of the play and which, in any event, while more extensive than the 1623 First Folio (in turn, thought by some to be closest to the version(s) actually produced on the Globe Theatre stage), boasts about as secure a claim of authenticity as the latter. In some instances, the text follows the Second Quarto (Q2) without visually alerting the reader to the differences vis-a-vis the First Folio (F1), thus compelling those more used to the latter version to seek out the extensive end notes to reassure themselves that (in the examples given above) it might indeed be "solid flesh," "warrant," and "pith and moment" (F1) instead of "sullied flesh," "wit," and "pitch and moment" (Q2). In other instances, however, the First Folio's language is given preference over that of the Second Quarto; while crucially, the text also includes all those passages *only* contained in the latter, including the "stamp of one defect" and "bloody thoughts" monologues, whose interpretation has such a direct bearing on many a reader's understanding of Hamlet's character.

The text is amplified by illustrations and annotations for those unfamiliar with 16th century English, scene-by-scene plot summaries, a short biography of Shakespeare, and introductory and concluding essays on this and the Bard's other plays and on Shakespearean theatre, as well as extensive suggestions for further reading, and a key to the play's most famous lines. While it is unlikely that after 400 years of debate any one version, be it in print, on stage or on screen, will be able to generate unanimous acceptance as the "definitive" rendition of this complex play, this is an excellent starting point for an in-depth excursion into the Prince of Denmark's world.

Hamlet is the finest Shakespearean play, and one of the most celebrated literary works in the world. It is essential reading for anyone interested in canon literature. The "To be, or not to be" soliloquy is a frequently quoted passage.

The play concerns young Hamlet, Prince of Denmark and the revenge he seeks against the royal court for the murder of his father, King Hamlet. Despite trickery and deception occurring on all sides, Hamlet manages to avenge the death of King Hamlet, though at a terrible price.

I enjoyed this book a great deal, and would recommend it even to those readers who do not ordinarily enjoy classics.

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet
Heart
Barrowed from Library
Fiction

If you have never read Hamlet or at least seen the movie, well you are missing out on an all time great, and must read book. I have only read a few of Shakespeare plays, such as, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and of course Hamlet, and I must say, Hamlet is his best play. Of course I have seen the movie and it is great too, but nothing compares to the book. Yes, it can get a little confusing reading the book because we don't talk in such ways they do during that time period, but when you do understand it you will love it.

Shakespeare, for his time had a great way of expressing humor and how things were during that time, in his play Hamlet. When Hamlet wanted to show the people how his Uncle had killed the king, (Hamlets Father), in a play he put together, I thought Shakespeare had a very created way for Hamlet to express his feelings towards his Uncle, and reenacting his fathers murder. Then people couldn't believe what they heard and had to leave the stage. Hamlet is determined to get revenge on his Uncle, and his Uncle starts thinking what he had done and can't handle the pain. When the book jumps into the next scene when Hamlet starts talking to him-self about what he will do to his Uncle, it gives you chills, and the sense that Hamlet isn't messing around anymore. Then it starts jumping back and forth to Hamlet and his Uncle talking to them-selves, expressing their deep down feelings. The rest of the book is great from that point, but you have to read the rest of the book to be able to find out. This play is a must read!

It's a good edition in terms of footnotes that help to describe what is happening throught the course of the play. Hamlet is Shakespeare's longest play and in my opinion his best. The speaches are beautiful and everything comes together so nicely. Hamlet is such a great character brcause he is so colpletely loveable and yet ridiculously frustrating. I definitley reccomend this if you are starting out with Shakespeare because it is likely to leave you wanting to read more of his works!

If anybody out there is willing to give Shakespeare's Hamlet a try, please select not just any text but this one from the Folger Shakespeare Library! Not only do they give you in-depth information on Shakespeare's life, his language, his theater, and a summary of Hamlet but the text also integrates assistance for the average every day reader to understand the story's vocabulary. Anybody who needs help by understanding Hamlet need look no further than the left page, which displays any confusing words or phrases and translates them into modern day terms. This way, anybody of ANY AGE can read Shakespeare! The key to this text is to not let Shakespeare's style frustrate you and give his books a chance-and the Folger Shakespeare Library is here for a simple study on not just the text itself but the era in which Shakespeare produces such memorable works.

The Folger Shakespeare Library is an excellent resource one should utilize in researching Shakespeare for a school assignment or to simply enjoy one of his many excellent plays.

I wish I could rate this text as six stars since Hamlet is, by far, my favorite Shakespeare story!

Yes, I know I'll shock many people, but "Hamlet" isn't the great play that everyone says it is. People assume it is because important and learned people have said so. The character of Hamlet is infuriating, and many times I wished to strangle him. Why couldn't he kill Claudius, yet kill Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with malice aforethought ? It's my opinion that he is class conscious, aware of his superiority and supremacy over the majority of the characters, and that's why he can act with such violence towards certain characters: the 2 already mentioned, Ophelia, Gertrude, Laertes, and the Players etc. He offends his lover and his mother, and even instructs the Players how to behave under their craft. It seems the only time Hamlet gets animated is when he feels there is some wrong done to him. For example, Hamlet callously interupts the mourning of Laertes for the latter's dead sister Ophelia at her funeral, because he doesn"t wish for the brother's grief to surpass his own.
However, it can also be read that Hamlet starts off the play armed with honourable intentions. But, he feels already tainted ("too, too sullied flesh") with the corruption pervading the Danish court, and his later behaviour could imply that he has indeed fallen into madness under a disease, the disease that courses throughout the court, and drives brothers to murder brothers, a queen to marry her brother-in-law 2 months after her husband's death. A disease that even destroys the love between Hamlet ad Ophelia. Love in the play is an illusion, and ambition and hypocrisy (shown in the characters Laertes, Claudius, Polonius, Osric) abound.
The poetry, however, is excellent. Readers will be delighted to recognise famous quotes: "To be or not to be", "Frailty, thy name is woman", "Something is rotton in the state of Denmark", "I must be cruel only to be kind" etc. Th play is excellent for its witty sayings and comedy, such as the banter between Hamlet and Polonius, which had me laughing outloud.
I recommend reading "Hamlet" as part of a requsite reading, but Shakespeare' masterpiece is actually "King Lear", which is even darker than "Hamlet", and has more finely drawn characters, is far more dramatic than "Hamlet", and, in my opinion, has much more beautiful and greater poetry, though less well recognised than that of "Hamlet".

A prince, his troubled family, murder, deceit and some of the richest verse ever written.
How can you go wrong?

A classic, but not Shakespeare's best tradgedy. Fewer sparks of brilliance and depth of multiple characters than Macbeth, Julius Caesar or the Richards.

Hamlet (Folger Shakespeare Library) places English beside English for those that need a translation from English to English. If this is read or acted out loud the translation would be superfluous.
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This really is "The Tragical History of Hamlet Prince of Denmark" and not only the Prince but his family. Not only his family but his friends. Not only his friends but all though that came before him and is told to those that came after him.

You can slow down and pick apart many underlying themes and may of the phrases that now challenge Bible sayings in today's sound bites. But the real fun is in just reading the story and you will find that it is not as foreign as you may have thought.

A quick synopsis is that Old Hamlet conquered Old Fortinbras seizing his land. Now that Old Hamlet is dead, Young Fortinbras wants his land back and is willing to take it by force. Meanwhile back in Dýnemark Young Hamlet who is excessively grieving for the loss of his father, gets a now insight from his fathers ghost. Looks like he was a victim of a "murder most foul"; it looks like his mother and uncle were in cahoots on the murder.

The story is about what each person felt and acted or did not act upon the situation.

You will find many movies and perverted imitations of the story but nothing will replace the original that was intended to be watched but reads well.

what fire-spells lie in hamlet's mind! here is not some two-dimensional action figure whose only purpose is to enflame the audience with wonder with his sword-slash and his martial agility. here is not some cheap revenge drama where the hero eventually magno-triumphs in glory and thus satiates the spec-tators rage-lust for justice. asymmetrical! here is a man spider-entangled with enigma, here is man truly bewildered by life's perplexo. here is a man who fails to overcome his own interior twists and banish the fog that grips him in paraly-scourge. this drama causes us to ponder life's rattle of chaotica more acutely, it compels us into the prison of inquiry, baffles us and leaves perhaps wiser than before. for what intrigues we humans most is mystery, the unknown, the irresolvable and thus this scholar of wittenberg, armed with a formidible array of proofs, evidences, theories and conjectures, nevertheless, despite all his bookish wisdom, finds himself helplessly at the mercy of rage-orcs when he is challenged to confront the world's unjustice, become a man of action and right his uncle's wrongs! are we all not hamlet? do we all not shrink in the face of tyranno-blight? do we all not at some time or another complacently let injustice govern us, rule us, oppress us? do we all not occasionally become enwebbed by reality's night-shadows and cannot for the life of us rouse the tank-courage needed to banish the vipers? this is a man of emotion! this is a man who thinks! this is a man who contemplates the conundrums harrowing our sleep in constanto! he cannot help but arouse our sympathy and draw us into his sphere, cheering for him, rooting for him, praying for his eventual conquest of lechers for we all at one time or another have experienced similar ideas floating in our cosmos. and yet when he fails life's omnipresent hazard strikes us in greater prepondera thus causing us think more deeply on our existence.

kyle foley, author of Lorelei Pursued, Wrestles with God

I am a student at Mercy High School in Middletown, CT. "Hamlet" is one of my favorite plays. I have read it more times than I can recount. I think this is one of those plays that you have to read a lot to get the full meaning. Also, there are so many different interpretations of "Hamlet" that you cannot rely on one source to understand the play. I think everybody has to make her own interpretation of "Hamlet." I would recommend this play to everyone because it is one of teh best plays in the world. You can read it over and over again and not get tired of it. And after you've read "Hamlet," go out and find yourself a copy of "Letters From an Actor," by William Redfield.

I would rate this play a 10/10.

The book has an interesting layout, with definitions of words on the left, with the text of the story on the right. The book layout is the best layout I've seen of any Shakespeare book, and the size is right (you can take it with you!).

The story is legend - even speaking literally - apparently the story of Hamlet hearkens back to even older legends that predate Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Shakespeare is so quotable, and Hamlet is no different - you often find yourself saying "Oh, that's where that comes from!" and its like finding an old friend in a new story. "To be or not to be, that is the question" is one; so is "Neither a borrower nor a lender be" and so is "To thine own self be true". The book even comes with an appendix listing commonly quoted portions of the story and their source.

However, my favorite quote (but not well-known) from the play comes from Hamlet himself, and sums the character up well:

"O, from this time forth,
My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!"

Get this book, and have a good read! Then get more Shakespeare from the same series: you won't be sorry.

This play is my second favourite, but a lot of critics think its Shakespeare's best. It owes it greatness to the character of Prince Hamlet. He is a man of thought, not action. He is philosophical and introspective and appears to be swept along by events rather than exercising any control over them. The play consists of some of the most profound and superb poetry ever composed by anyone in the English language. Shakespeare uses his hero, Hamlet, to mirror the hopes, fears and despair of all mankind. This is the play where Shakespeare bares his soul. He has put his whole being into it. Again we have the comic factor which seems to be even more funny because of the other momentous occurrences within the play. We also have the supernatural factor with the ghost of Hamlet's father appearing twice during the play. And who can forget Hamlet's famous soliloquy? This is truly a memorable work!

I think Hamlet is remembered as a great work of literature not because of its executions of conventional/unconventional literary style, but instead I think it's remembered because Hamlet the charactor himself has very deep human flaws that people can relate to in some way or another. In fact, many people speculate that the story of Hamlet is related to Shakespeare's own experiences of coping with the death of both his father and his son (who was named Hamnet, unless I'm mistaken).

As for the play itself, parts of it seem rushed or just strange. Shakespeare the playwright had to make sure that all of his actors got some time on the stage, he had to make sure that his play was entertaining to the masses, and Hamlet the charactor is always refered to as "young" Hamlet in the play -- yet the actor who played Hamlet was 36 some odd years old at the time of the first production. As a result, Shakespeare had to write in a few lines that alluded to Hamlet the charactor being in his 30's (which is creepy considering his relationship to Ophelia the young teenager).

So yeah, speaking in terms of structure and mechanics of the play, Hamlet is horribly flawed. Speaking in terms of the stark realism of Hamlet the charactor, Shakespeare wrote a true timeless masterpeice.

Mr. Shakespeare has given us a work of great poise and alacrity. Although critical reception is divided, I believe that as a writer he, shows great promise. Some inconsistancies characteristic of a young writer are apparent (such as the seemingly deliberate use of archaic language), but I'm sure Mr. Shakespeare will refine his style more in the future and treat us to even greater works. I am very curious to see what he publishes next.

Shakespeare- Oh how I love thee.

This play is good, but it feel like it could be so much better. The words and terminogies go over my head at times and it was difficult to read because you always needed your teacher to dycifer the meanings. In the end it is a good story, you just need a translator by your side.

I am currently reading Hamlet.Even though it is difficlt reading
and most of the words and terminology are old English I found it to be a very deep read. The play deals with Prince Hamlet and his quest to gain revenge against his uncle Claudius who has murdered his father king Hamlet, seized the throne of Denmark and married his mother Queen Gertrude. The play deals with death, suicide, incest, and conspiricies. After this I plan on reading more of Shakespeare even though the terminology is slow reading.I recommend to people who hate reading Shakespeare to go out and get some cliffsnotes or sparknotes. That way you can read the summaries in the notes in layman's terms and compare it with the original text. This way you won't get lost and you'll know whats going on.

When I started reading hamlet, I'll be completely honest, I thought it stunk! I never really enjoyed reading Shakespeare anyway, but with word usage aside, it wasn't' too shabby. Although I really didn't understand what was going on, my AP English teacher did a swell job of explaining it to me, and once I got the jist of what was going on (along with a few jokes) it was entertaining. I also enjoyed watching it being performed onstage. Overall, I think it was meant to be performed, and not read.

After just finishing Hamlet, I realized that it wasn't as bad as I initially thought it would be. Shakespeare uses a unique blend of humor and tragedy to make for an interesting story. While I don't really like the old fashioned language, the book is fairly easy to comprehend and makes for a good read.

I don't fully understand (and don't want to) the many messages that overanalytical critics contend lay beneath the text of "Hamlet", but I will say that I never fail to get goosebumps upon reading one of the drama's majestic soliloquies. Better poetry has never been written in all of literature.

Hamlet is without a doubt Shakespeare's finest work. Aside from being a true romantic and a captivating poet, Shakespeare could also pass as being a psychological genius. Though there are numerous characters in this play, (as in most of shakespeares works) Hamlet is the main focus of the play and it is seen that his internal struggles often overshadow many of the other subplots throughout the story (though in no way does it leave the reader oblivious to the other happenings in the story). The story is about the prince of Denmark whose father was killed by Hamlet's malicious Uncle Claudius who has seized control of the throne after his brother's death. Afterwards, Hamlet undergoes a series of internal conflicts and questions the validity of his father's ghost and is ultimately thought to be insane by those around him who witness his unorthodox actions and bizarre coments. After he is ordered sent away and returns, killing Rozencrantz and Guildenstern aboard the England-bound ship, Hamlet is pushed further into his own realm of "insanity" and soon after helps catapult one of the greatest climatic endings of Shakespeare's works. The final scene of this play is appropriate as it puts an end to the spiral downfall of Hamlet and those around him.

This book was good. I'm not going to overanalyze it like the book worms below me, but it reflects human nature better than anything else i have ever read. ROCK ON, Bill! \m/

His interactions with the other characters in the play, and his ability know in advance the corrupt plans of so many of his enemies at Elsinore, demonstrate Hamlet's sensible thoughts that would not go through his mind had he gone mad. There are also considerable distinctions between the actions of Hamlet in his "mad" state of mind and the few other characters that undoubtedly lost sanity. Hamlet is a smart, scholarly man, and faking a mental disability could certainly a part of his plot to revenge his father's death, which was a command of his father. Hamlet gives a warning to Horatio and others that he might act strangely at times, which would put whatever "mad" tendencies other may he displays into perspective. He unmistakably informs his mother, the queen Gertrude, that she was not to reveal to Claudius that he was "not in madness, but mad in craft" (3:4:9). She is not convinced that her son is okay, however he is clear in his point. A mad man would certainly not care about the other's thoughts and opinions of him. Horatio would probably have notice if his friend was acting out of the ordinary without a reason, and brought it to someone's attention, had it been serious enough. The first time the king and queen become aware of his "madness" is when Polonius announces it to them and tells them of Hamlets love for his daughter, Ophelia. Your noble son is mad: Mad call I it; for, to define true madness, What is't but to be nothing else but mad? But let that go...At such a time I'll loose my daughter to him..."(2:2:99).
If any of Hamlet's 'madness' is based on his talk of ghosts, the accusation is a blunder. Hamlet did not do a bad thing by frightening his uncle, but it certainly did make an impact. Claudius's startled state after the player's performance is proof that Hamlet is correct in his accusations. The Ghost of his father was the one that informed Hamlet of this ill deed. If the spirit were simply a fabrication of his imagination, than there would be no explanation for Hamlet's knowledge of his father's murder. He was the one that instructed the players to put on the show; therefore he must have gotten the information about the characters from some source, namely his dead father. If the ghost were there in the beginning, what would keep him from checking on his son from time to time? Young Hamlet was asked to seek revenge on his uncle, and the ghost is depending on him to do that. The spirit would have no choice but to be frequently watching his son, to know that he intends to do the job. There is so much evidence the specter is not just in Hamlets mind, that it is certain that the Ghost can not be considered when deciding that Hamlet is insane. Most of the "trustworthy" characters in the play recognize the ghost. Hamlet informs Horatio and Marcellus (1:5:190) that he will "put an antic disposition on", and might mutter strange phrases and demonstrate other acts of insanity. There is no doubt that others think he is unwell, but it could just be a statement used to back up the idea of sending the prince away. Claudius is opposed to Hamlets presence from the beginning, but chooses to let him stay for his own purposes. Though Prince Hamlets insanity is the main focus of distress for most, other individuals are mad as well, and for the first time quite genuinely. When Ophelia is seen as mad for the first time (4:5:28) she is openly singing and chanting- things that Hamlet never did. He talks of Polonius as a "fishmonger", and often makes reference to other seemingly ridiculous things, which could, and do at times, have deeper meaning. He was generally just talking sharply about some of his enemies. The strange behavior is probably a way to distract Polonius, Claudius, and perhaps the Queen, while Hamlet seeks revenge for his lifeless father. The most suspicious aspect of the "madness" is that his moments of visible mental uneasiness go on and off. One moment he will be talking nonsense to the King and his advisor, and within minutes he is talking in a perfectly understandable tone to his old childhood friends.
He questions issues of humanity often, especially towards the close of the play, which would explain his hasty choice to fence with this dangerous rival, that is plotting to take away the only thing Hamlet has, his life. Much unlike a truly insane person Hamlet does not act spontaneously. There is never a significant doing on his part that was not well thought out in advance The "madness" that Hamlet portrays in the tragedy, though believed to be true my many, is false. It possibly allowed Hamlet more time to plot the revenge for his father's death by Claudius, or was just an example of the young prince's love of drama. Either way, their were many flaws in his "act" that go unnoticed by the other characters, but can be picked up on by the reader. Hamlets frequent switching from sanity to madness, are obvious clues that he is pretending. The ghost of his dead father, and the play that proved his existence outside of Hamlet's mind are convincing confirmation that he was not hallucinating. All the characters that used Hamlets "disability" as a tool could be merely forcing themselves to believe that Hamlet is mad. He could just be going along with their unfortunate thoughts to convince them he is mad. Shakespeare's Masterpiece, Hamlet draws in so many people because of these debatable arguments. The question of Hamlets madness is reasonable, and after re-reading all the textual evidence, one must lean towards the fact that Hamlet is sane, for whatever reasons he chooses. It is a marvelous plan on his part, and should be noted as such.